Transmission Interconnect Announcement Suggests Major Opportunity For Northwest

The release of the feasibility study from the Ministry of Energy regarding the sale of power from Manitoba to Ontario opens up new opportunity for communities in the northwest.

(PRWEB) October 2, 2004 - An announcement today from The Minister of Energy, Dwight Duncan regarding the feasibility of a power purchase agreement between the provinces of Manitoba and Ontario, has opened the door for Northwestern Ontario to explore potential routing options for the transmission of power into Ontario markets. These latest developments are being reviewed by the First Nation communities to the North of Thunder Bay, who have been collectively and uniquely positioning themselves with Industry and the Province for consideration as a potential Transmission corridor routing option.

Over 40 remote and semi remote First Nation communities have formed a collective Chiefs Steering Committee to examine the opportunities of transmitting power via a corridor from the Manitoba border through their traditional lands. This First Nation concept calls for a regional option that would align First Nations and municipalities throughout the northwest, including Thunder Bay, Kenora, Atikokan and Greenstone. The concept behind the First Nation proposition is to eliminate routing competition and to develop an option that would be mutually beneficial to the collective communities of Northwestern Ontario. This regional approach would better retain jobs and wealth in our region, and provide remote First Nations with an opportunity to develop all weather road systems and improve their overall economic stability.

Says Charlie OKeese, a member of the Chiefs Steering Committee and Chief of Eabametoong First Nation; Our approach is one of a collective benefit. This project would be big enough to support the regional economy and we should approach this opportunity in a regional fashion. First Nations and municipalities should be able to work together to the benefit of the Northwest. We would like to thank Minister Duncan and his staff for translating todays release into Ojibway and Cree to accommodate a more meaningful engagement with our community members."

Continues Frank Beardy, a member of the First Nations Steering Committee and Chief of Muskrat Dam First Nation; The First Nations will review what the indirect implications of the Transmission Corridor would mean to them. An all weather road along the corridor combined with new economic opportunity that provides jobs for our people is positive, but, we must also consider very carefully any negative impacts."
Recently, the Chiefs Steering Committee held a two days Interconnect Chiefs Conference in Thunder Bay to discuss the implications of the feasibility study. In attendance at that meeting were 40 First Nation Chiefs or representatives. Ontario Premier, Dalton McGuinty met with the Chiefs. Also in attendance was Assistant Deputy Minister of Energy, Shane Pospisil and Hydro One staff, all of whom were supportive of the dialogue.

Says Michael Fox, Co-Chair of the Steering Committees Working Group; As planning events start to unfold, the need for a regional strategy has never been more apparent. This initiative means much more than just a few jobs or an isolated injection into our local economy. This will help define the future for Northwestern Ontario and all of its residents."

The Chiefs Steering Committee suggests that one of the next steps should be a municipal and First Nations summit in Northwestern Ontario to promote a better understanding of the concepts and to develop strategic regional alliances and approaches. Todays announcement bodes well for the economic stability and prosperity of Northwestern Ontario.

For further information, please contact: Stephanie Ash at: 807 767 4443 or email: stephanie@firedogpr.com

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